2024.07.18. The Fair Economy — SK Telecom (SKT, CEO Yoo Yeong-sang) announced on the 18th that it has developed an integrated communication and artificial intelligence (AI) module for an intelligent response system against illegal drones that threaten key national infrastructure such as nuclear power plants and airports.
Anti-drone technology to counter illegal drones is rapidly advancing worldwide, and in Korea, the public and private sectors are collaborating to minimize damage from illegal drones.
Since 2021, SKT has been participating in the 'Intelligent Response Technology Development Project for Illegal Drones,' led by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, and has been developing modules for LTE communication and AI video analysis required for drone flight and mission execution.
The module developed by SKT connects drones and ground control systems via PS-LTE or commercial LTE networks to transmit status and control messages. At the same time, it provides AI computing that analyzes images captured by cameras using deep learning algorithms to determine whether a drone is illegal.
Since it does not require server integration, the time required for AI analysis is minimized, enabling real-time video analysis. When mounted on a response drone, it performs the role of a mission computer based on powerful computing.
The intelligent response system for illegal drones, to which the module is applied, detects unidentified drones appearing near critical national facilities using radar, RF sniffer, electro-optical (EO), and infrared (IR) imaging equipment mounted on patrol drones.
Based on this information, response drones that are dispatched neutralize illegal drones using various methods such as GNSS spoofing, jamming, and net guns.
SKT went through various research and development processes to become the first in Korea to develop a module that integrates LTE communication, AI video analysis, and mission computer functions into a single device mounted on drones.
SKT adopted a design that meets IP43-level dustproof and waterproof standards, allowing the module to effectively dissipate heat using the device's cooling fan while withstanding external environments such as dust and water droplets.
To ensure compatibility with mission equipment mounted on drones, SKT applied a wide range of interfaces, including USB and Ethernet. It also completed electromagnetic compatibility testing to prevent interference between connected devices.
To secure the most important aspect—drone flight endurance—the structural design was optimized multiple times, achieving miniaturization and weight reduction to 128 x 83 x 45 mm and 351 g.
SKT has completed prototype fabrication and verification and is currently conducting linkage tests for system integration demonstration. The company plans to exhibit the prototype module at the Multi-Ministry Supported R&D Achievements Exhibition Hall at the Muin Idongche Saneop Expo 2024 (Unmanned system World Congress 2024), held at COEX until the 19th.
SKT plans to support integrated testing and demonstration of the intelligent response system for illegal drones in cooperation with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE by next year, and after demonstration, it will apply the system on a pilot basis to critical national facilities such as nuclear power plants.
Ha Cheol-se, head of SK Telecom's Infra Business division, said, "As illegal drones can inflict fatal damage on core facilities or civilians, we plan to make continuous efforts to establish an effective response infrastructure based on communication and AI technologies."
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